If this is true and your lawyer will not take reasonable steps to recover reimbursements . Which is one of the reasons you hire the lawyer in the first place.

Send the lawyer an e-mail back saying "how dare you violate the rules of professional conduct ". and refusing to follow reasonable instructions from your client .
First make an appointment with the lawyer . Try to resolve the conflict. No appointment possible ? Send a letter/ email trying to resolve the conflict .

If you cannot resolve the conflict .You can file a complaint with the State Bar for possible ethics violations.

You re right, shouldn't have to wait years for a refund. It's simple .. you are owed money and you want it.

Just so you know, the lawyer must petition the court to withdraw from the case .